August 8, 2006:
MotoringFile weighs down GP performance
Gabe at MotoringFile continues his crusade of massive weight loss for the ‘07 MINI (Gabe claims 180lb reduction for the ‘07, while the official word to the press is a 22lb increase), and today MotoringFile proposes this weight reduction as a reason why the stock ‘07 MINI will outperform the GP at the Nurburgring:
… the GP is a full 14 seconds faster than the stock R53 MCS around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife … a Fifth Gear review of the R56 MCS Prototype mentioned that the new 2007 MCS is said to be at least a full 15 seconds faster than the previous R53 Cooper S …
Posted by GPMINI at 02:05 pm |
Gabe Bridger (2006/08/08 @ 3:22 pm)
Make sure to read the official press release carefully. You’ll find no mention of overall weight as you suggested. I’ve been told that there has been a very conscious effort to stagger various information about the new car as we get closer to the Paris Auto Show. I’ve also been told (by several sources now) that my original information is correct.
Oh and it’s more than 180lbs
jwardell (2006/08/08 @ 4:14 pm)
It only makes sense that going from a cast iron to an aluminum engine block will greatly reduce weight but..time will tell!
Jeff (2006/08/09 @ 12:15 am)
It’s all getting very interesting. I made a big bet (buying one) that my GP wouldn’t be obsoleted by BMW weeks after I got it. Time will tell. Still it would be very tough to get me to buy a new platform in the first year. My MA says though that he has approx 200 deposits on 07 MCSs and that was before the spec was official. I think it’s all good and even raging debate indicates a lot of loyal MINI owners. This marque is gonna be strong for a long time.
Skunk Works GP 0089 (2006/08/09 @ 8:51 am)
One second difference on a 13 mile course? Now that is competitive for a prototype vs. a production model. There will be many thousands of the new MCS, but only 2000 GP’s. I will take my GP….for the time being!
pbraun (2006/08/09 @ 3:22 pm)
Yeah - I agree, Skunk Works ! - I don’t think I want to ask where you got that name! - I don’t care if it’s 86 pounds or 143 pounds lighter! Just get me the **** car! Then, we’ll see who can go faster, brake later and out - accelerate whom. as they say in racing, when the green flag drops, the bs stops! let’s race ! :0)
Skunk Works GP 0089 (2006/08/09 @ 4:06 pm)
Skunk works is a term used in engineering and technical applications for secret (black) projects. Lockheed’s Skunk Works developed the U-2 and Blackbird, plus who knows what else!
But actually my ‘03 MCS is black with white stripes and white roof, and my wife said it looks like a skunk, thus Skunk Works. I thought it applied quite well to the GP, at least ’till it develops its own personality. Whew.
Gavin (2006/08/10 @ 7:35 pm)
Surely it doesn’t matter… You guys who are buying GPs aren’t buying them for a kerb weight are you? It’s a limited edition car. That alone makes it different whether it’s lighter or heavier, quicker or slower. The only thing a GP can be compared to is another ‘06 MCS and I think it beats that in every category. The ‘07 is a different car - you may as well compare your GPs to a 1999 Sport Pack Mini…!
Ian C. (2006/08/10 @ 7:42 pm)
I agree Gavin - my entry was an attempt to highlight all the “stuff” running around the web at the moment … not all of it accurate
As you say, the GP is different on its own. It weighs less - but I compensate for that! Dan in his MINI probably “weighs” less than me in a GP.
I sort of hope Gabe is right about the ‘07 MINI dropping 200lbs - but it would be a major shock. New models always get bigger / heavier / etc … Meanwhile, it’s just “stuff”
Skunk Works GP 0089 (2006/08/11 @ 9:23 am)
There are always newer, faster,quicker, fancier models just around the corner. Hey, we got the “new MINI” that way. I just can’t wait to get to NJ (sans shampoo, toothpaste, and lipstick for my wife it looks like) and pick up 0089!